The Normal Use of Allegory

The Encarta World English Dictionary defines allegory as a symbolic work: a work in which the characters and events are to be understood as representing other things and symbolically expressing a deeper, often spiritual, moral, or political meaning. I am reminded of reading Animal Farm in high school where the pigs on the farm represented the communists. It was an interesting story that cleverly illustrated the deficiencies of a specific political movement.
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In a similar manner, Christ used parables- stories that were given to illustrate a spiritual truth. When Christ spoke in parables, it was clear that He was saying much more than just what was seen on the surface, for He often gave the interpretation right after He gave the parable. As we read the Gospel accounts, the normal use of language makes it very clear when a parable is being used and when simple history is being given. For example, Matthew 13:18 begins with the words, “Hear ye therefore the parable.” Matthew 13:33a: “Another parable spake he unto them.” Matthew 21:33a: “Hear another parable.”
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The point is that when the scripture uses allegory, there are clear indicators. The problem comes when men try to allegorize portions of scripture that have no indicators of specific symbolism. What ends up happening is that men make up their own allegorical interpretations to passages that should simply be read in their original normal meanings.
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It has often been asked why people cannot agree on the interpretation of the Bible. Part of the reason is that many do not even use normal use of language rules when looking at the scripture and instead try to allegorize almost any passage they come across. Understand that a conservative will usually come up with a conservative allegory, a liberal will likely come up with a liberal allegory and moderate- you get the picture. The Bible should shape our way of thinking, but this approach tries to twist the scripture into man’s way of thinking instead.
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It is an intellectually dishonest and potentially manipulative approach to interpreting what God has written. Some scholars actually try to make it look sophisticated by coming up with all kinds of intricate reasons for their interpretations, but let us remember 1 Corinthians 14:33, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”
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Instead of allegorizing the passages we do not understand, we should study them in their context and compare them with other scriptures. We must examine the audience, culture, and history at the time of the writing to understand the meaning in the setting of normal use of language. Sure this takes some work, but it gives us the pure meaning rather than just coming up with some symbolic idea that cannot be proven.
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At First Baptist Church in Bancroft, you can expect to hear God’s Word preached and explained in its historical setting, as we use the normal use of language to interpret the Bible. We invite you to join us and see that the Bible really can be understood and that it is not just a bunch of broken up allegories. It is a book with continuity that shows the interactions between God and man and clearly gives us God’s expectations for man in a way that we can understand.